Wed Jul 2 14:40:58 2008

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Pens sign Malkin to five-year extension

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Pittsburgh, PA (Sports Network) - The Pittsburgh Penguins have re-signed star forward Evgeni Malkin to a five-year contract extension, commencing with the 2009-10 season.

Malkin had a brilliant sophomore campaign in 2007-08, leading the Penguins with 47 goals, 59 assists and 106 points. He was a finalist for Hart Trophy as league MVP and earned First-Team All-Star honors after the season.

"We are very excited to have Evgeni signed to a long-term contract," said Penguins general manager Ray Shero. "This is an important signing for our franchise and the city of Pittsburgh and we commend Evgeni on his commitment to the future of the franchise and the city. This signing continues to ensure the young core of this team can stay intact for years to come."

The Penguins, with superstar Sidney Crosby signed through the 2012-13 season, have one of the top 1-2 scoring punches in the NHL. They did lose a key factor from their run to the Stanley Cup Finals this past spring, as trade deadline acquisition Marian Hossa signed as a free agent with Detroit on Wednesday.

Malkin also had an outstanding postseason, racking up 10 goals and 12 assists for 22 points in 20 playoff games. The Penguins ran through the Eastern Conference in the playoffs before losing to the Red Wings in six games of the Cup Finals.

The 21-year-old Russian was selected by the Penguins with the second overall pick of the 2004 draft. He notched 85 points with 33 goals and 52 assists to capture the Calder Trophy as the league's top rookie for the 2006-07 season.

In 160 games over his first two seasons, Malkin has 80 goals and 111 assists for 191 points.